Q. I seem to get bladder infections quite often. What is causing these infections, and how can I prevent them?>
A. You are one of many people who struggle with this painful problem. According to the American Urological Association, bladder infections result in about 7 million doctor visits each year. Women are more prone to these infections than men. In fact, about 40 percent of women, as opposed to approximately 12 percent of men, will experience at least one bladder infection in their lifetime. Children - even infants - can suffer from these infections.
While some may view bladder infections as just an annoying problem, remember these infections can become quite serious if left untreated. Bladder infections can quickly lead to kidney infections. While kidney infections are not as common as bladder infections, they are much more serious.
Kidney infections can spread to the bloodstream, resulting in permanent damage to the kidneys, and they may even become life threatening; therefore, it is imperative to be evaluated by your healthcare provider at the first sign of a bladder infection.
Causes>
A bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection or cystitis, results when bacteria enters the urinary tract and begins to multiply in the bladder. Some people may experience repeated bladder infections because they are predisposed to them. Also, women who are pregnant or who are going or have gone through menopause can be more susceptible to bladder infections.
Signs>
It is extremely important to be able to detect the signs of a bladder infection - especially in children and infants because they are at a greater risk for kidney damage than adults. Sometimes, it's hard to know whether or not your child has a bladder infection because the symptoms may at first seem to be totally unrelated to the problem. For example, children may complain about lower back pain and have a low fever. They also may have difficulty controlling their bladder and may have accidents, such as wetting the bed.
Other symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine
Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urination
Prevention>
If you have experienced repeated bouts of bladder infections, be sure to implement some of the following simple habits. A little change in your lifestyle can produce big results.
Wear cotton underwear.
Avoid tight pants. Skirts may be a better option for women.
Empty the bladder completely when urinating.
Urinate when you have the urge. Do not "hold it." People who suffer from bladder infections tend to hold in their urine because urinating may burn or be painful. This only makes matters worse because it is trapping the bacteria inside the body rather than washing it out.
Drink lots of fluids (such as water or unsweetened cranberry juice) to help wash out the bacteria.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Men should keep the tip of their penises clean, especially if they are uncircumcised.
Women may benefit from the following:
1) Urinate after intercourse. This will help flush out any bacteria that was introduced during intercourse.
2) Change sanitary pads often, and only use pads when menstruating.
3) Wipe from front to back. This prevents bacteria from the area around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra (the tube that connects to the bladder).
4) Avoid the use of douches, condoms with spermicide and diaphragms.
Treatment>
You should seek treatment at the first signs of a bladder infection. Catching and treating a bladder infection early is key to avoiding further complications. It is especially important to see your healthcare provider if you have blood in your urine or if you are pregnant.
Also, if you repeatedly get bladder infections (three or more per year), let your healthcare provider or urologist know.
Other health conditions can mimic urinary tract infection. It is important to determine if other problems may be causing your symptoms.
Bladder infections can be diagnosed by studying a person's urine sample under a microscope to see if any bacteria or white blood cells are in the urine. The majority of bladder infections are bacterial infections, and antibiotics are typically the best treatment. Again, prompt evaluation by your healthcare provider is important to assure proper treatment is prescribed.
Treatment is relatively quick and easy. Usually within three days, you will feel much better. If you have been battling this painful infection, schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional immediately.
- Kenneth Sparr, MD, received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1993. He completed his post-graduate training in urologic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. He treats all conditions of the urinary tract in men and women, especially kidney stones and prostate disease.
A. You are one of many people who struggle with this painful problem. According to the American Urological Association, bladder infections result in about 7 million doctor visits each year. Women are more prone to these infections than men. In fact, about 40 percent of women, as opposed to approximately 12 percent of men, will experience at least one bladder infection in their lifetime. Children - even infants - can suffer from these infections.
While some may view bladder infections as just an annoying problem, remember these infections can become quite serious if left untreated. Bladder infections can quickly lead to kidney infections. While kidney infections are not as common as bladder infections, they are much more serious.
Kidney infections can spread to the bloodstream, resulting in permanent damage to the kidneys, and they may even become life threatening; therefore, it is imperative to be evaluated by your healthcare provider at the first sign of a bladder infection.
Causes>
A bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection or cystitis, results when bacteria enters the urinary tract and begins to multiply in the bladder. Some people may experience repeated bladder infections because they are predisposed to them. Also, women who are pregnant or who are going or have gone through menopause can be more susceptible to bladder infections.
Signs>
It is extremely important to be able to detect the signs of a bladder infection - especially in children and infants because they are at a greater risk for kidney damage than adults. Sometimes, it's hard to know whether or not your child has a bladder infection because the symptoms may at first seem to be totally unrelated to the problem. For example, children may complain about lower back pain and have a low fever. They also may have difficulty controlling their bladder and may have accidents, such as wetting the bed.
Other symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Cloudy, bloody or foul-smelling urine
Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urination
Prevention>
If you have experienced repeated bouts of bladder infections, be sure to implement some of the following simple habits. A little change in your lifestyle can produce big results.
Wear cotton underwear.
Avoid tight pants. Skirts may be a better option for women.
Empty the bladder completely when urinating.
Urinate when you have the urge. Do not "hold it." People who suffer from bladder infections tend to hold in their urine because urinating may burn or be painful. This only makes matters worse because it is trapping the bacteria inside the body rather than washing it out.
Drink lots of fluids (such as water or unsweetened cranberry juice) to help wash out the bacteria.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Men should keep the tip of their penises clean, especially if they are uncircumcised.
Women may benefit from the following:
1) Urinate after intercourse. This will help flush out any bacteria that was introduced during intercourse.
2) Change sanitary pads often, and only use pads when menstruating.
3) Wipe from front to back. This prevents bacteria from the area around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra (the tube that connects to the bladder).
4) Avoid the use of douches, condoms with spermicide and diaphragms.
Treatment>
You should seek treatment at the first signs of a bladder infection. Catching and treating a bladder infection early is key to avoiding further complications. It is especially important to see your healthcare provider if you have blood in your urine or if you are pregnant.
Also, if you repeatedly get bladder infections (three or more per year), let your healthcare provider or urologist know.
Other health conditions can mimic urinary tract infection. It is important to determine if other problems may be causing your symptoms.
Bladder infections can be diagnosed by studying a person's urine sample under a microscope to see if any bacteria or white blood cells are in the urine. The majority of bladder infections are bacterial infections, and antibiotics are typically the best treatment. Again, prompt evaluation by your healthcare provider is important to assure proper treatment is prescribed.
Treatment is relatively quick and easy. Usually within three days, you will feel much better. If you have been battling this painful infection, schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional immediately.
- Kenneth Sparr, MD, received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1993. He completed his post-graduate training in urologic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. He treats all conditions of the urinary tract in men and women, especially kidney stones and prostate disease.
